Timbersled's Tricked out Dragon RMK

Published online: Oct 02, 2009Sledheads

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Timbersled is best known for the ultra-trick Yamaha sleds it has built and taken to shows over the past few years. These are not just modified sleds with a few lightweight parts. These Yamahas have been absolute works of art. Custom fabricated tunnels mounted to the bulkheads in ways to change their angles. Complete engine builds with turbos and superchargers, always with customized installs and modified components.And then there's the suspension-a Timbersled specialty. Ultra-light skidframes, A-arms and spindles, designed to take the abuse of pro riders like Dan Adams. These sleds built by Timbersled have had no bolt left unturned, no part un-modified and no horsepower left on the table. Allen Mangum, owner and sled-builder behind the Timbersled name, has built a solid reputation as having some of the hottest custom sleds at shows and on the snow.But with the exception of a pretty trick Polaris Edge a few years back it's always been Yamahas. Which explains why, when hooking up for a ride last winter, we were shocked when Mangum rolled into the parking lot and unloaded a Polaris.He did bring along his black-and-chrome Nytro turbo, but for a day of canyons, trees and boondocking, it stayed in the trailer."When I'm riding with my brother or out for fun on Saturdays," Mangum says, "I always ride the RMK."Typically a Yamaha builder, Mangum picked up the Dragon 800 last winter just to play with it. Of course, it was nowhere near stock when we rode with him in Island Park, ID, in January. We wouldn't expect anything he owned to be, Yamaha or otherwise.The Dragon 800 features the Boondocker pump-gas turbo, a power-adder that is ever-increasing in popularity among tree riders. Mangum added a mini intercooler and also installed a small silencer to cut down the noise. When this sled is running, you would swear it's stock. Maybe that's the idea.The RMK also runs the Barkbuster front suspension system, which not only sheds weight, but also improves the sled's steering geometry-a big plus for tree riders. Mangum relies on Fox Float 2 shocks.The rear suspension is a Timbersled Mtn. Tamer skidframe, another component that takes big numbers off of the sled's weight total. Mangum stuck with the sled's 163 track for flotation in the deep northern Idaho powder. The RMK uses Avid anti-ratchet drivers, as well.Mangum runs SLP Powder Pro skis on the pumper. And he installed a 2-inch WPS riser block to get the handlebars up higher. Speaking of handlebars, there's also a Lefty's Side Hiller 2 left hand throttle.For the looks, Mangum traded the local Polaris dealer for a black hood and put his own Timbersled decals on it.This is how the sled looked and was built when we rode with Mangum in January, but when he rolls into the fall snow shows, the sled will have a whole different look.True to his over-the-top fashion, Mangum has rebuilt the sled with a custom tunnel and a slew of other custom alterations, giving it the same treatment you've seen in his Yamaha builds. We know when we see the sled at the shows, we're going to be impressed.But there's more to Timbersled's show sleds and products than the sparkle and weight savings. From a consumer standpoint, if there is comfort in knowing the product is designed and used by someone who rides, then there is solitude in Timbersled's parts. Allen Mangum didn't name his company by happenstance. He is a tree-riding fool, capable of sticking a sled far into the ugliest of drainages. After riding with Mangum in our own backyard-sticking to our bumpers every inch of the way-we'd love to watch him in his own neck of the woods in Sandpoint, ID. If he can't break, bend or ruin his own stuff, you won't either.For more info, check out timbersled.com.